The day that Bognor nearly became filming mecca

On Monday, April 28, we will be featuring the work carried out in the

district over the years by film-makers, whether it is behind the early making facilities, cine film-makers, video or television.

The plan is to show a variety of films, many made by local people, that have shown Bognor Regis, its people, events and places over the years. It is entitled Made in Bognor and is part of the End of the Pier film festival.

At the start of the 20th century the town was used as a backdrop by Cecil Milton Hepworth, the British film-maker who spent two to three years in the town.

Shooting a number of films, Hepworth made both comedies and thrillers,

often using the population as extras.

Features such as Painting the Pier, Dumb Sagacity and Fire at Sea were made in Bognor during this period.

The latter utilised local backdrops such as the Foundling, a Brixham ketch that had run ashore at nearby Aldwick in 1906.

Sketchy records create something of a grey area surrounding Hepworth's Bognor filmography, but what remains clear is the pioneer film-maker made at least 15 films during his spells in the town.

Despite Bognor's own burgeoning popularity as a turn-of-the century luxury resort, the attentions of celluloid were felt along the south coast.

Locals were drafted into films, public houses were used as storerooms for film equipment and trades people became involved in the frenzy of cinema that accompanied Hepworth's visits.

Furthermore, the director and his entourage stayed in local guesthouses during their visits. The significance of such visits from Hepworth cannot be overstated.

If we had taken a look at the town around the 1960s, we would have found a return to a possible cinematic revival with Sweethill Studios Ltd, which held discussions on making Bognor Regis into another Hollywood.

There was talk of studios being built on a 2.5ha site on the outskirts of the town.

This plan was expected to bring more than 300 extra jobs to the town and provide many more facilities for the film-making environment.

In the end, the plans were withdrawn and Bognor Regis lost its chance to become the hub of the cinema world.

Against this background, many have made family cine films in and around Bognor Regis.

Latterly, with the advent of video, more people have film of events that are now consigned to history, such as the 1987 hurricane and Sands of Time.

Alongside the family film-makers, there has been the hobbyist who has enjoyed the evolving technology to film all sorts of events, beach and street scenes.

Much of this footage remains at the back of the cupboard and in the loft, never to be seen again.

Television has played an important role filming major events such as Birdman and the Clown Convention.

The town has also been used as a backdrop in a number of films. One film showed Bognor railway station as Folkestone station. Other examples include the Punch and Judy Man starring Tony Hancock, Wish You Were Here and Tommy.

A DVD will be shown to the public for the first time which accompanies the book It started with a map '“ the story of the Second World War airfield at North Bersted.

The film includes discussions with people who were involved either in the production of the book or personnel who had memories of the airfield itself.

The film also includes discussions with one of the pilots who flew out of the airfield for D-Day and his memories of that time. Photographs from the book, visits to the site and also Tangmere Museum feature in this DVD.

Bognor Regis holds a unique position in seaside history in that it has developed from the aspirations of one man '“ Sir Richard Hotham '“ and this event is celebrated annually on January 18 by placing a wreath on his grave in South Bersted.

In 1987, it was the 200th anniversary of Bognor Regis and there were numerous events around the town held to celebrate the occasion. These events were all recorded on film ready to be shown.

On Monday, April 28, our aim is to showcase some of the films made over the years covering both local and international events, from cine film to television. The film-makers have recorded for us a snapshot of our heritage which we wish to share with the people of Bognor Regis in this unique event, as part of the much larger End of the Pier Festival.

Alongside Bognor Film Productions many local people record 'images of our town', continuing the work of the early pioneers, and it is their work we wish to celebrate and exhibit during our Made in Bognor film experience. Come along and enjoy the films '“ you could possibly be in one of them.

For the programme of events between April 25 and May 3, visit the website www.eotpfilmfestival.com.

Over the years, I have attended many film events in the town shown in Old Films of Bognor which were generally 19th century.

However a high percentage of the films we are showing on the 28th are new and cover more recent years, even films from the 1980s.

We should remember these can be more than 25 years old. I have already seen a young child in one of the films, who is now in her late 20s. In respect of the Made in Bognor day on Monday, April 28, please note the films I will show from 10am to noon are totally different from those being shown between 2pm and 4pm.

From 7.30pm Bryan Gartside will be hosting more films, including the new film From behind the projectionist's door, which is about the Bognor Regis Picturedrome cinema, and other Bognor Film Productions

films.

You can obtain your tickets from the ticket hotline on 01243 841775 at a cost of 3 per session or 5 for any two of the day's screenings.

Sponsors for this day are the Observer and Mill Rythe Holiday Centre, on Hayling Island.

The full list of films for each session of my section are on display in the window of the Bognor Regis library. However it is possible changes could be made on the day.

So, when you obtain your tickets, do come along and see these new showings of films Made in Bognor.

For more local history, click here